Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Tufts University President Lawrence S. Bacow, in partnership with the Somerville Chamber of Commerce, announced that the City will host a Benefit Concert at the Somerville Theatre on Thursday, February 18 to raise funds to support the ongoing Haiti Earthquake relief efforts. The evening's agenda includes, but is not limited to, performances by: Jimmy Tingle , Tony V. ,The Second Line Social Aid and Pleasure Society , Booty Vortex , SoulVision recording artist Ray Greene, Jenny Dee and the Deelinquents, Tufts University a cappella group Tufts sQ!, Tufts University step team BlackOut,  Tufts University dance group B.E.A.T.S, Teen Empowerment.

"Since the devastating earthquake hit Haiti several weeks ago, the Somerville community has shown tremendous support and community spirit by uniting and seeking new and different ways to assist with the worldwide relief efforts," Mayor Curtatone said. "Whether it's Tufts students holding clothing and shoe drives, or the Haitian Coalition sponsoring a 'Unity Weekend,' all of this community's efforts have shown true civic engagement and a sense of unity in the City. The upcoming fundraiser is one more way to help not only the victims in Haiti, but also those community members in Somerville who have been affected in some way by this terrible tragedy. Please help us remember the victims, and support the millions of Haitians still in need."

"There has been an outpouring of support from the Tufts community in the aftermath of the tragedy in Haiti," Tufts President Bacow said. "Our faculty, students, and staff have responded to the Haitian emergency in the spirit of active citizenship and international engagement. Many individuals in the Tufts community with experience in relief efforts have already gone to Haiti. The upcoming fundraiser is another way Tufts and the City of Somerville can work together to help those affected, both in Haiti and in the local community. We are proud to support the City's efforts in the face of this great tragedy."

"We live and work together. Sharing in the grief and in the recovery is only natural," said Chamber chair Ron Bonney of Bonney Automotive.

Tickets will be sold at the door, beginning at 6:00 p.m. on February 18, for a suggested donation of $30 or more.

Silent and live auctions and a 50/50 raffle will also be held throughout the evening. Auction items include New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox autographed memorabilia; Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees tickets, and more.

More information will be made available as it is received. For more information, please contact Jackie Rossetti at 617-625-6600 x2614, or JRossetti@somervillema.gov